As noted by the Skipper of SSS Rampart
In many industries, there is a disconnect between the workforce that is starting to think about retirement and the workforce trying to fill the empty positions. Increasing regulation prevents early training.
Over twenty years ago, a kid could get a work permit and go find a job in nearly any industry. Now, teenage workers must wait until a certain age before using basic power tools and must have constant oversight. Our efforts to keep us safe have also made it difficult to learn vital skills.
If you have to have licensing before you can work which requires experience and knowledge gained by doing the work, you will have difficulty breaking in. Marine trades are in a similar situation. Training and instruction aren’t available for the younger generations. Many of the opportunities are failing to appear to younger adults entering the workplace. Further still, is the missing opportunity to develop the work ethic, tact, and decorum needed to be successful in the workplace.
The BSA programs are built around skill development and passing knowledge to the following generations. In the Sea Scouts, the focus is on the Maritime traditions, skills, and knowledge. Even so, they will learn skills that are lateral to other industries. Skills like welding, fiberglass, and woodworking can and do cross into other industries; cabinetry, construction, autobody, film and theater, all use these skills. Marine Mechanics can also work on farm implements and vehicles. More radar and radio technicians are needed.
While the participants of SSS Rampart focus on skills appropriate for shipboard operations, they will also be training for any number of employment opportunities. In their hands, we place the skills needed for the future of our Coast Guard, Navy, and fishing fleets.
*Please note that with our recent change in Charter Organizations, the vocational side of the Rampart program will be shifting towards it's own, separate, program.
Over twenty years ago, a kid could get a work permit and go find a job in nearly any industry. Now, teenage workers must wait until a certain age before using basic power tools and must have constant oversight. Our efforts to keep us safe have also made it difficult to learn vital skills.
If you have to have licensing before you can work which requires experience and knowledge gained by doing the work, you will have difficulty breaking in. Marine trades are in a similar situation. Training and instruction aren’t available for the younger generations. Many of the opportunities are failing to appear to younger adults entering the workplace. Further still, is the missing opportunity to develop the work ethic, tact, and decorum needed to be successful in the workplace.
The BSA programs are built around skill development and passing knowledge to the following generations. In the Sea Scouts, the focus is on the Maritime traditions, skills, and knowledge. Even so, they will learn skills that are lateral to other industries. Skills like welding, fiberglass, and woodworking can and do cross into other industries; cabinetry, construction, autobody, film and theater, all use these skills. Marine Mechanics can also work on farm implements and vehicles. More radar and radio technicians are needed.
While the participants of SSS Rampart focus on skills appropriate for shipboard operations, they will also be training for any number of employment opportunities. In their hands, we place the skills needed for the future of our Coast Guard, Navy, and fishing fleets.
*Please note that with our recent change in Charter Organizations, the vocational side of the Rampart program will be shifting towards it's own, separate, program.